Telescoping expandable shower curtain rod

ABSTRACT

A telescoping expandable curved shower curtain rod, in one embodiment, is an apparatus. The rod includes a first rod component. The first rod component includes a curved segment having a first radius of curvature and an inner diameter and a straight segment having the same inner diameter. The straight segment and curved segment form a unitary component. The rod includes a second rod component. The second rod component includes a curved segment also having the first radius of curvature and having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first rod component. The second rod component also includes a straight segment having the same outer diameter, with the straight segment and curved segment forming a unitary component. Moreover, the rod may come with a first swivel bracket which may be connected to the first rod component at the straight segment. The rod also may come with a first wall bracket which may be coupled to the first swivel bracket. Similarly, the rod may come with a second swivel bracket which may be coupled to the second rod component at the straight segment. Likewise, the rod may come with a sleeve intervening between the second swivel bracket and the straight segment. Moreover, the rod may come with a second wall bracket which may be coupled to the second swivel bracket.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to Application ser. No. 093207558, filed May 14, 2004, in Taiwan and issued as Utility Model M 259557 on Mar. 21, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Shower curtain rods traditionally are straight. However, curved shower curtain rods have been seen in some environments, and they appear to provide greater volume in a shower. Unfortunately, a curved shower curtain rod must be fit to a shower enclosure. Thus, either a shower enclosure must be a standard size (not always simple in a real-world house with significant variations) or the shower curtain rod must be somehow customizable.

Shower enclosures where curved rods may be appropriate are often as individual as the homeowners who use them. A small bath may be fit into a space with a large shelf for sitting or for bathing accessories (e.g. soap, shampoo, etc.). A vintage tub on feet may be positioned close to an existing wall-mounted shower-head. Such unusual configurations may require varying sizes of shower curtain rods, and curved rods may be appropriate.

Curved shower curtain rods are known to be available in a standard size, without allowing for customization. They are not known to be provided in a telescoping expandable format, where the shower curtain rod is easily adjustable at the time of installation to fit various different sized shower enclosures. Thus, it may be useful to provide a system with a curved shower curtain rod which may be adjusted by a homeowner with relatively little expertise at the time of installation.

SUMMARY

An telescoping expandable curved shower curtain rod, in one embodiment, is an apparatus. The rod includes a first rod component. The first rod component includes a curved segment having a first radius of curvature and an inner diameter and a straight segment having the same inner diameter. The straight segment and curved segment form a unitary component. The rod includes a second rod component. The second rod component includes a curved segment also having the first radius of curvature and having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first rod component. The second rod component also includes a straight segment having the same outer diameter, with the straight segment and curved segment forming a unitary component. Moreover, the rod may come with a first swivel bracket which may be connected to the first rod component at the straight segment. The rod also may come with a first wall bracket which may be coupled to the first swivel bracket. Similarly, the rod may come with a second swivel bracket which may be coupled to the second rod component at the straight segment. Likewise, the rod may come with a sleeve intervening between the second swivel bracket and the straight segment. Moreover, the rod may come with a second wall bracket which may be coupled to the second swivel bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is illustrated in an exemplary manner by the accompanying drawings. The drawings should be understood as exemplary rather than limiting, as the scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a telescoping expandable shower curtain rod in an exploded top view.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the brackets of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a bracket useful with a shower rod.

FIG. 3B illustrates another embodiment of a bracket useful with a shower rod.

FIG. 3C illustrates yet another embodiment of a bracket useful with a shower rod.

FIG. 3D illustrates still another embodiment of a bracket useful with a shower rod.

FIG. 4A illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a top view.

FIG. 4B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a perspective view.

FIG. 5A illustrates an alternate embodiment of a telescoping expandable curved shower rod in a top view.

FIG. 5B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 5A in a perspective view.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the brackets of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a bracket and curved shower rod.

FIG. 8 illustrates another alternate embodiment of a bracket and curved shower rod.

FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of a combination curved and straight expandable shower rod in a top view.

FIG. 9B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 9A in a perspective view.

FIG. 10A illustrates yet another embodiment of a telescoping expandable curved shower rod in a top view.

FIG. 10B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 10A in a perspective view.

FIG. 11A illustrates still another embodiment of a telescoping expandable curved shower rod in a top view.

FIG. 11B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 11A in a perspective view.

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a wall attachment for a telescoping expandable curved shower rod.

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a wall attachment for a telescoping expandable curved shower rod.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A telescoping expandable shower curtain rod is provided. The specific embodiments described in this document represent exemplary instances of the present invention, and are illustrative in nature rather than restrictive in terms of the scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

An expandable curved shower curtain rod, in one embodiment, is an apparatus. The rod includes a first rod component. The first rod component includes a curved segment having a first radius of curvature and an inner diameter and a straight segment having the same inner diameter. The straight segment and curved segment form a unitary component. The rod includes a second rod component. The second rod component includes a curved segment also having the first radius of curvature and having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first rod component. The second rod component also includes a straight segment having the same outer diameter, with the straight segment and curved segment forming a unitary component.

Moreover, the rod may come with a first swivel bracket which may be connected to the first rod component at the straight segment. The rod also may come with a first wall bracket which may be coupled to the first swivel bracket. Similarly, the rod may come with a second swivel bracket which may be coupled to the second rod component at the straight segment. Likewise, the rod may come with a sleeve intervening between the second swivel bracket and the straight segment. Moreover, the rod may come with a second wall bracket which may be coupled to the second swivel bracket.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the invention.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments.

Turning to the illustrated embodiments, expandable shower curtain rods are provided in a variety of embodiments. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a telescoping expandable shower curtain rod in an exploded top view. FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the brackets of FIG. 1. FIG. 4A illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a top view as mounted. FIG. 4B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1 in a perspective view as assembled.

Shower curtain rod assembly 100 includes adjustable rod segments, swivel brackets, wall brackets, and fasteners. Curved rod segments 110 and 120 make up the bulk of the length of the shower curtain rod. Segment 110 typically has an inner diameter similar to the outer diameter of segment 120, allowing for a friction fit when segment 120 is rotated within segment 110. Segments 120 and 110 allow for adjustment of the length of the assembly when the friction fit is not engaged. Typically, segments 120 and 110 are formed with essentially the same radius of curvature or shape, allowing segment 120 to slide within segment 110. In some embodiments, an intervening sleeve is placed between segments 110 and 120 (or similar segments), with the intervening sleeve having inner and outer diameters closely matched to adjacent diameters of the segments 110 and 120, thus facilitating the sliding and friction fitting of the two components.

At the ends of segments 110 and 120, straight portions of the segments are provided. Thus, rod segment 130 is connected to segment 110, and rod segment 140 is connected to segment 120. Preferably, segment 130 and segment 110 form a unitary component, either as a result of an essentially permanent connection (e.g. a weld) or from formation of a single component with the two segments (e.g. through drop-forging or molding, for example). Similarly, segments 120 and 140 may either be joined or formed as one component.

In this embodiment, the shower rod is mounted to a wall or enclosure of a shower through use of brackets. Various forms of mounting may be used, and other embodiments of mounting brackets described below may be suitable. Wall bracket 175 is attached to a wall, for example. As illustrated, wall inserts 180 are inserted into a wall, and such inserts may, for example, expand within a wall or beyond a surface of a wall to provide relatively secure attachment. In some wall material (e.g. wood), such inserts may not be needed, whereas in other wall material (e.g. drywall) such inserts may be desirable. Screws 160 are illustrated as attaching wall bracket 175 to a wall, either through insertion into wall inserts 180 or directly into the wall.

Coupled to wall bracket 175 is swivel bracket 150. Swivel bracket 150, as illustrated, includes a through hole on each side of the bracket. Peg 165 is inserted in the through holes of swivel bracket 150, and through a through hole of wall bracket 175, and is fastened to screw 170, which goes through another through hole of wall bracket 170, and potentially through one of the through holes of swivel bracket 150. Swivel bracket is attached to a segment of the shower curtain rod, and the segment may be maintained through use of a set screw 155. Thus, one swivel bracket 150 may be attached to segment 130 and another swivel bracket 150 may be attached to segment 140.

To allow for use of essentially identical parts, a sleeve 190 may be introduced around segment 140, resulting in an outer diameter which fits into the same swivel bracket 150 into which segment 130 also fits. Note that sleeve 190 may fit entirely into a bracket 150, or may extend out of a bracket 150, as is illustrated in FIG. 4B, for example. Also, in some embodiments, peg 165 may pass through through holes in the segment of the shower curtain rod as well as through the swivel bracket 150, providing a more secure attachment between swivel bracket 150 and segment 140 or segment 130, for example.

Other brackets and mounting components may be used. FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of a bracket useful with a shower rod. Bracket 310 is a wall bracket such as may be used with various shower curtain rods. Fixedly attached to the back of bracket 310 is adhesive strip 315, which may be expected to adhere to a wall. Covering adhesive strip 315 is a cover 320 which may block adhesion until the bracket 310 is in position for mounting. Similarly, FIG. 3B illustrates another embodiment of a bracket useful with a shower rod. Bracket 330 may be used with various shower rod embodiments. Fixedly attached to the back to bracket 330 is suction cup 340, which may be expected to attach bracket 340 to a wall.

FIG. 3C illustrates yet another embodiment of a bracket useful with a shower rod. Bracket assembly 350 may be used with various shower rod embodiments, and includes a bracket, two magnets, and an adhesive strip. Bracket 355 has fixedly attached magnet 360 (e.g. a magnetic strip). Also used is magnet 365, which is combined with adhesive strip 370. Cover 375 prevents unwanted adhesion of adhesive strip 370. Thus, adhesive strip 370 may be adhered to a wall, and the opposite polarities of magnets 360 and 365 may be used to thereby attach bracket 355 to a wall. Additionally, FIG. 3D illustrates still another embodiment of a bracket useful with a shower rod. Bracket assembly 380 includes a bracket, a wall mount, screws and wall inserts. Bracket 385 may be used with various shower rod embodiments. Wall mount 390 may be attached to a wall through use of screws 395, either alone or in conjunction with wall inserts 397. Wall mount 390 includes a tab which may mate with a slot of bracket 385, thereby securing bracket 385 to a wall.

Other embodiments of shower rod assemblies may be implemented, with various brackets such as those of FIG. 3A, 3B, 3C or 3D. FIG. 5A illustrates an alternate embodiment of a telescoping expandable curved shower rod in a top view. FIG. 5B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 5A in a perspective view. FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the brackets of FIG. 5A. Assembly 500 includes shower rod segments, swivel brackets, wall brackets, and associated mounting hardware.

Shower rod segments 510 and 520 are shaped such that they have a common radius of curvature, with the inner diameter of segment 510 approximately the same (preferably slightly larger than) the outer diameter of segment 520. Curved swivel brackets 550 mate with segments 510 and 520, allowing for mounting on a wall. Thus, the collective length of segments 510 and 520 may be adjusted in a manner similar to that of segments 110 and 120, and then the segments may be mounted to a wall of a shower enclosure.

The mounting brackets may be similar to the mounting brackets of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3D, for example. However, these mounting brackets include curved swivel brackets 550, which are adapted to receive the curved rod segments 510 and 520, rather than requiring intervening straight rod segments. Note that the smaller diameter rod segment 520 may require an insert or sleeve 590 to facilitate use of identical brackets on both ends of the shower curtain rod. The curved swivel brackets 550 are held to the segments 510 and 520 using set screws 555, and are coupled to wall brackets 575, such as through use of pegs 565 and screws 570, for example. The wall brackets 575 may be attached to a wall through use of screws 580 or screws 580 in wall inserts (not shown).

Other forms of attachment between rod segments and brackets may also be used. FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment of a bracket and curved shower rod. Rod segment 720 surrounds sleeve 790, which is also surrounded by swivel bracket 750.

Thus, the outer diameters of segment 720 and swivel bracket 750 are essentially the same, providing a relatively smooth transition from one component to the other. FIG. 8 illustrates another alternate embodiment of a bracket and curved shower rod. Rod segment 820 has an inner diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of swivel bracket 850, allowing rod segment 820 to surround the projected part of swivel bracket 850, with a set screw through both segment 820 and bracket 850 to hold the two components in place.

Shower curtain rods may also be formed with curved and straight segments in a unitary piece, where the straight segments are adjustable. FIG. 9A illustrates an embodiment of a combination curved and straight expandable shower rod in a top view. FIG. 9B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 9A in a perspective view. Shower curtain rod assembly 900 includes two rod components, swivel brackets and wall brackets. Rod segments 910 and 915 form a first rod component, with segment 910 curved and segment 915 straight. Preferably, segments 910 and 915 are formed as a unitary component, although they may be formed as separate components that are permanently attached (e.g. welded). Similarly, a second rod component includes rod segments 920 and 925, with segment 920 curved and segment 925 straight.

In some embodiments, segments 910 and 920 have a similar or identical radius of curvature. Segment 915 has an inner diameter which is similar to and slightly larger than the outer diameter of segment 925, thus allowing for sliding adjustment of the collective length of the shower rod. Segments 910 and 920 may mate with swivel brackets 950, and may be attached using set screws 955. A sleeve over segment 920 may or may not be needed, as segment 920 need not have the same outer diameter as segment 925. Swivel brackets 950 may be coupled to wall brackets 975, and wall brackets 975 may be mounted to a wall using screws 980.

Yet another embodiment of a telescoping expandable curved shower rod may use suction cups for wall attachment. FIG. 10A illustrates yet another embodiment of a telescoping expandable curved shower rod in a top view. FIG. 10B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 10A in a perspective view. Shower rod assembly 1000 includes two rod components, swivel brackets, wall brackets with suction cups, and associated attachment hardware.

A first shower rod component includes curved segment 1010 and straight segment 1030, either formed as a single piece or permanently attached together to provide a unitary body. Similarly, curved segment 1020 and straight segment 1040 form a second shower rod component. Preferably, a radius of curvature for segments 1010 and 1020 is nearly identical, and an inner diameter of segment 1010 is slightly larger than an outer diameter of segment 1020, allowing for sliding of segment 1020 within segment 1010, and friction fitting of the two segments together.

Segments 1030 and 1040 are connected to swivel brackets 1050, with an intervening sleeve 1090 between segment 1040 and bracket 1050. Set screws 1055 maintain the connection between segments 1030, 1040 and corresponding brackets 1050. Swivel brackets 1050 are coupled to wall brackets 1075 through use of pegs 1065, for example. Wall brackets 1075 are attached to a wall through use of suction cups 1093, which are fixedly attached to or formed as part of wall brackets 1075.

Similarly, brackets which are hidden by the shower rod may be used. FIG. 11A illustrates still another embodiment of a telescoping expandable curved shower rod in a top view. FIG. 11B illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 11A in a perspective view. Shower rod assembly 1100 includes two rod components, swivel and wall brackets, and associated hardware.

Expandable shower curtain rod assembly begins with a first rod component (segments 1110 and 1130) and a second rod component (segments 1120 and 1140). Segments 1110 and 1120 preferably have essentially the same radius of curvature. Moreover, segment 1110 preferably has an inner diameter approximately that of the outer diameter of segment 1120, allowing for two segments to slide one (1120) inside the other (1110). A friction fit between segments 1110 and 1120 may be obtained through use of an intervening sleeve, or through friction between the two segments. Similarly, segments 1110 and 1130 may be formed as a unitary body, either through attachment or formation as a single piece. Segments 1120 and 1140 may also be formed as a unitary body.

Straight segments 1130 and 1140 mate with swivel brackets 1150 by receiving the projections of swivel brackets 1150. In one embodiment, due to the smaller diameter of segment 1140, a connective sleeve 1190 is used. In another embodiment (not shown), the diameter of segment 1140 expands toward its end, allowing it to receive bracket 1150. Thus, the ends of swivel brackets 1150 are hidden by the shower curtain rod components. Swivel brackets 1150 may be secured to segments 1130 and 1140 using set screws, for example. In more permanent settings, glue may be useful. Swivel brackets 1150 are coupled to wall brackets 1175 using pegs 1160, for example. Wall brackets 1175 may then be mounted to walls using screws 1180, for example.

Brackets without hinges may also be used with rods and rod segments. FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a wall attachment for a telescoping expandable curved shower rod. Assembly 1200 includes a wall bracket 1275 with a projecting receptacle 1250 attached. The receptacle 1250 may be formed in a unitary piece with wall bracket 1275, or as two separate and attachable components. Inserted into receptacle 1250 is a shower rod segment 1210, which may be a segment of a telescoping expandable shower rod. Shower rod segment 1210 may be held in receptacle 1250 by friction, compression (between the two ends of the expanded shower rod) or by a set screw (not shown). Wall bracket 1275 may be attached to a wall through use of screws and through holes or adhesive (not shown), for example.

FIG. 13 illustrates a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 12. Similarly, FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 12. As is illustrated in FIG. 13, the receptacle 1250 emerges directly out of the wall bracket 1275—the walls of receptacle 1250 are essentially perpendicular to the surface of bracket 1275. However, other embodiments may have an angled receptacle. In the embodiments of assembly 1200, the receptacle is not hinged.

Another embodiment may use a hinged approach, without specifically using a swivel bracket. FIG. 15 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a wall attachment for a telescoping expandable curved shower rod. Assembly 1500 includes a wall bracket, attached hinge receptacle, and an attached shower curtain rod.

Wall bracket 1575 attaches to a wall, such as through use of screws or adhesive (not shown), for example. Hinge receptacle 1550 is a bracket formed as a unitary body with wall bracket 1575 or as a separate attached component. Hinge receptacle receives an end of a shower rod, and is connected to that end through use of a screw 1565 and receptacle (nut—not shown), for example.

A shower rod segment 1530 may be inserted between two flanges of hinge receptacle 1550, with screw 1565 securing segment 1530 to receptacle 1550. Shower rod segment 1510 may form the main part of the segment, and be connected to segment 1530 through a narrowing portion of the segments 1510 and 1530. Thus, segments 1510 and 1530 may form a single unitary component, with segment 1530 adapted to fit into hinge receptacle 1550. With segment 1530 attached to hinge receptacle 1550, segments 1530 and 1510 may be rotated to a variety of positions in an installation.

Generally, swivel brackets may be coupled to wall brackets in a variety of ways, to achieve a rotating or swiveling effect. Hinges, or pieces with a more unitary construction may be used in some embodiments. Similarly, various brackets described may be used with various shower curtain rod embodiments, such that a suction cup or magnetic attachment may be appropriate whether the rod is inserted into the swivel bracket or the rod received the swivel bracket, for example. Moreover, different types of swivel brackets or wall attachments may be used in combination—with a suction bracket attached to a shower tile on one end of a shower rod and a bracket attached to a plaster or wooden wall using screws, for example.

Features and aspects of various embodiments may be integrated into other embodiments, and embodiments illustrated in this document may be implemented without all of the features or aspects illustrated or described. One skilled in the art will appreciate that although specific examples and embodiments of the system and methods have been described for purposes of illustration, various modifications can be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, features of one embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments, even where those features are not described together in a single embodiment within the present document. 

1. A telescoping expandable curved shower curtain rod, comprising: a first rod component including: a curved segment having a first radius of curvature and an inner diameter; and a straight segment having the inner diameter, the straight segment and curved segment forming a unitary component; a second rod component including: a curved segment also having the first radius of curvature and having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first rod component; and a straight segment having the outer diameter, the straight segment and curved segment forming a unitary component; a first swivel bracket connected to the first rod component at the straight segment; a first wall bracket coupled to the first swivel bracket; a second swivel bracket coupled to the second rod component at the straight segment; a sleeve intervening between the second swivel bracket and the straight segment; and a second wall bracket coupled to the second swivel bracket.
 2. A telescoping expandable curved shower curtain rod, comprising: a first rod component including: a curved segment having an inner diameter; and a straight segment having the inner diameter, the straight segment and curved segment forming a unitary component; a second rod component including: a curved segment having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the unitary first rod component; and a straight segment having the outer diameter, the straight segment and curved segment forming a unitary component; wherein the straight segment of the first rod component is formed to slidably receive the straight segment of the second rod component; a first swivel bracket connected to the first rod component at the curved segment; a first wall bracket coupled to the first swivel bracket; a second swivel bracket coupled to the second rod component at the curved segment; a sleeve intervening between the second swivel bracket and the curved segment; and a second wall bracket coupled to the second swivel bracket.
 3. An expandable curved shower curtain rod, comprising: a first curved rod segment having a first radius of curvature and an inner diameter; a second curved rod segment also having the first radius of curvature and having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first curved rod segment; a first curved swivel bracket connected to the first curved rod segment and receiving the first curved rod segment; a first wall bracket coupled to the first curved swivel bracket; a second curved swivel bracket coupled to the second curved rod segment and receiving the second curved rod segment; a sleeve intervening between the second swivel bracket and the second curved rod segment; and a second wall bracket coupled to the second swivel bracket.
 4. An expandable curved shower curtain rod, comprising: a first rod component including: a curved segment having a first radius of curvature and an inner diameter; and a straight segment having the inner diameter, the straight segment and curved segment forming a unitary component; a second rod component including: a curved segment also having the first radius of curvature and having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the unitary first rod component; and a straight segment having the outer diameter, the straight segment and curved segment forming a unitary component; a first swivel bracket connected to the first rod component at the straight segment, the straight segment receiving the first swivel bracket; a first wall bracket coupled to the first swivel bracket; a second swivel bracket coupled to the second rod component at the straight segment, the straight segment receiving the second swivel bracket; a sleeve intervening between the second swivel bracket and the straight segment, the straight segment receiving the sleeve and the sleeve receiving the second swivel bracket; and a second wall bracket coupled to the second swivel bracket.
 5. An expandable curved shower curtain rod, comprising: a first rod component including: a curved segment having an inner diameter; and a straight segment having the inner diameter, the straight segment and curved segment forming a unitary component; a second rod component including: a curved segment having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the unitary first rod component; and a straight segment having the outer diameter, the straight segment and curved segment forming a unitary component; wherein the straight segment of the first rod component is formed to slidably receive the straight segment of the second rod component; a first swivel bracket connected to the first rod component at the curved segment, the curved segment receiving a projection of the first swivel bracket; a first wall bracket coupled to the first swivel bracket; a second swivel bracket coupled to the second rod component at the curved segment, the curved segment receiving a projection of the second swivel bracket; a sleeve intervening between the second swivel bracket and the curved segment, the curved segment receiving the sleeve and the sleeve receiving the projection of the second swivel bracket; and a second wall bracket coupled to the second swivel bracket.
 6. An expandable curved shower curtain rod, comprising: a first curved rod segment having a first radius of curvature and an inner diameter; a second curved rod segment also having the first radius of curvature and having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first curved rod segment; a first curved swivel bracket connected to the first curved rod segment, the first curved rod segment receiving the first curved swivel bracket; a first wall bracket coupled to the first curved swivel bracket, the first wall bracket having a suction cup for attachment to a wall; a second curved swivel bracket coupled to the second curved rod segment, the second curved rod segment receiving the second curved swivel bracket; a sleeve intervening between the second curved swivel bracket and the second curved rod segment; and a second wall bracket coupled to the second curved swivel bracket, the second wall bracket having a suction cup for attachment to a wall.
 7. An apparatus, comprising: an expandable curved shower rod, including: a first curved rod segment having a first radius of curvature and an inner diameter; a second curved rod segment also having the first radius of curvature and having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first curved rod segment; and wherein the second curved rod segment and the first curved rod segment are formed to allow the second curved rod segment to move slidably within the first curved rod segment.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a sleeve within the first curved rod segment, the sleeve having an outer diameter approximately the same as the inner diameter of the first curved rod segment, the sleeve having an inner diameter approximately the same as the outer diameter of the second curved rod segment.
 9. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a first swivel bracket connected to the first curved rod segment
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: the first curved rod segment is received by the first swivel bracket.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein: the first curved rod segment receives the first swivel bracket.
 12. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a first wall bracket coupled to the first swivel bracket.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a second swivel bracket coupled to the second curved rod segment
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: the second curved rod segment receives the second swivel bracket.
 15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein: the second curved rod segment is received by the second swivel bracket.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: a sleeve intervenes between the second swivel bracket and the second curved rod segment.
 17. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising: a second wall bracket coupled to the second swivel bracket.
 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein: the first wall bracket and the second wall bracket have throughholes in a back plate of each wall bracket.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18, further comprising: a plurality of screws sized to fit through throughholes of the first wall bracket and second wall bracket.
 20. A telescoping expandable curved shower curtain rod, comprising: a first curved rod segment having a first radius of curvature and an inner diameter; a second curved rod segment also having the first radius of curvature and having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first curved rod segment; a first curved swivel bracket connected to the first curved rod segment, the first curved rod segment receiving the first curved swivel bracket; a first wall bracket coupled to the first curved swivel bracket; a second curved swivel bracket coupled to the second curved rod segment, the second curved rod segment receiving the second curved swivel bracket; a sleeve intervening between the second swivel bracket and the second curved rod segment; and a second wall bracket coupled to the second swivel bracket. 